Chapter 36: Observed

As Reese continued his journey towards Mr. Lopez's residence, his mind buzzed with a mixture of gratitude. The unexpected encounter with Dwight had left him with a newfound sense of hope—a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, allies could be found in the most unlikely of places.

Arriving at Mr. Lopez's office door, Reese took a moment to compose himself before knocking on the door. After a moment, the door swung open to reveal Mr. Lopez standing on the other side, a warm smile gracing his features. "Reese! What brings you here today?" Mr. Lopez greeted, his voice filled with surprise.

"Mr. Lopez, good to see you," Reese replied. "I actually came to talk to you about something."

Mr. Lopez's eyebrows lifted in mild curiosity. "Oh, what's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath, Reese launched into an explanation of his request. "Well, you see, Mr. Lopez, I've been thinking about Jasper's safety, especially with everything going on. I was wondering if you could help me acquire some weapons?"

Mr. Lopez's expression shifted, his features taking on a thoughtful look as he considered Reese's request. "I see," he murmured, his tone tinged with a hint of concern. "Are you sure about this, Reese? Acquiring weapons is no small matter, especially given the circumstances." 

Reese nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I understand, Mr. Lopez. But I want to be prepared for whatever may come. Jasper's safety is my top priority, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure it." 

Mr. Lopez studied Reese for a moment, his gaze searching. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. "Very well, Reese. I'll help you with your request."

A grateful smile tugged at Reese's lips as he nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Mr. Lopez."

With Mr. Lopez's agreement, Reese felt a surge of relief wash over him. As they made their way to the armory, Reese couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. He knew that the items he chose would play a crucial role in ensuring Jasper's safety.

Upon reaching the armory, Reese's eyes scanned the array of weapons and protective gear before him. His gaze lingered on the gleaming Arnis sticks, the sturdy black leather armor, and the intimidating black mask. Reese knew that these tools would not only serve as a means of defense but also as symbols of his commitment to his newfound role.

"Are you sure about these choices, Reese?" Mr. Lopez asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. At first, he thought Reese was looking for a gun.

Reese nodded firmly, his expression determined. "Yes, Mr. Lopez. I believe these will be sufficient for what I need."

Mr. Lopez regarded Reese with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Very well, Reese. Just remember to use them wisely."

With a grateful nod, Reese collected the items, thanked Mr. Lopez, turned to leave the armory, and went home.

As Reese stepped into his home, he wasted no time in making his way to the Amethyst Orb. With a sense of purpose, he entered the orb, the familiar hum of energy enveloping him like a comforting embrace. 

In the serene confines of the Aura, Reese set about his practice with renewed fervor. Gripping the Arnis sticks tightly in his hands, he moved with precision and grace, seamlessly integrating his mastery of the various martial arts he mastered with the newfound power of his chosen weapons.

Hours passed in a blur as Reese lost himself in the rhythm of his movements. With each strike and parry, he felt himself growing stronger and more confident in his abilities. The weapons became extensions of his own body, moving in perfect harmony with his thoughts and intentions.

Finally, Reese emerged from his practice session with a sense of accomplishment. Not only had he honed his skills to perfection, but he had also pushed his cultivation to the very peak of the intermediate stage of Nether Realm; he was half a step away from breaking through the major stage of Nether Realm.

With a satisfied smile, Reese stepped out of the Amethyst Orb, then made his way to the kitchen to prepare his dinner, but before he could even turn on the stove, his phone rang, disrupting the quiet of his rented home. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw Dwight's name flashing on the screen. 

Without hesitation, Reese answered the call, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Dwight, what's up?" he greeted, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Dude!" Dwight exclaimed, his voice crackling with excitement. "Jasper just left the house with his friends. I've heard from the maids that they're heading to Lib Super Club in City Time Square, Mandaue City."

Hearing Dwight, Reese smiled, knowing he could finally observe Jasper from afar, study his friends, and implement his plans to get close to one of Jasper's friends. "Thanks, Dwight. I'll head there right away," he replied, his voice determined.

Ending the call, Reese wasted no time. He dashed out of the house and ran to the main road to call for a taxi.

As the taxi raced through the bustling streets of Guadalupe to Mandaue City, Reese's mind raced with a million thoughts. He couldn't afford to let Jasper out of his sight.

Finally, he arrived at City Time Square, the neon lights of the club illuminating the night sky. casting a colorful glow over the bustling streets of City Time Square. Reese's heart sank as he approached the entrance to the club, the realization dawning on him that he wouldn't be able to enter. 

"Shit! I should ask Mr. Lopez for a fake ID." He cursed inwardly.

Frustration was bubbling beneath the surface. Being only 18 years old meant he was still underage and barred from entering establishments like Lib Super Club. Reese couldn't afford to let a trivial obstacle like age stand in his way.

Thinking quickly, Reese scanned the area for alternative vantage points. His eyes landed on a nearby rooftop overlooking the club, and he could use his spiritual sense to see everything inside the club without drawing attention to himself. With a determined nod, Reese sprinted towards the nearest building, his agile movements carrying him effortlessly up the fire escape. He jumped the gap with practiced ease as he reached the rooftop. 

Closing his eyes, Reese focused his mind, allowing his spiritual sense to envelop the club. Instantly, a flood of sensations and images washed over him, each one revealing a different facet of the scene unfolding below.

Amidst the chaos of the club, Reese's spiritual sense detected a group of rowdy patrons causing trouble near the bar. They were loud and boisterous, their behavior bordering on reckless as they shoved and pushed each other with abandon. Reese made a mental note to keep an eye on them, knowing that their disruptive antics could spell trouble if left unchecked.

But Reese's primary focus remained on finding Jasper and his friends. He sifted through the sea of faces until he finally found what he was looking for. There, amidst the crowd, stood Jasper, his features unmistakable in the dim light of the club. Reese locked his spiritual sense to Jasper, a surge of relief flooding through him. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Jasper appeared unharmed and in good spirits, laughing and chatting with his friends as if they didn't have a care in the world.